Editor's Note

The Charge

Four repackaged versions of the disc you probably already own promoting a new
sequel you probably don't want to see.

Opening Statement

Let's get right to it: this is a money grab. Clearly, Universal has dollar
signs in its eyes as it release four new versions of Pitch Black, now
with the title of the 2004 sequel, The Chronicles of Riddick
clumsily pasted on in antecedent awkwardness. With no apparent intent other than
to confuse consumers while gobbling up retail shelf space, shoppers are now
forced to fumble over a widescreen unrated version, a full screen unrated
version, a widescreen rated version, and a full screen rated version of this
previously-released and well-regarded DVD. Although the packaging promises
exciting new Riddick content, there's nothing here worth buying (again) and
you'll probably find the original release you already own is far superior. Oh,
this one also came with a coupon for a free movie ticket to The Chronicles of
Riddick but it had already expired by the time I cracked open the keep case.
Nice.

Facts of the Case

Tragedy strikes a chartered space flight when the vessel is riddled by a
meteor shower, killing many onboard and prematurely awakening the crew from
their cryo-sleep. Captain Carolyn Fry (Radha Mitchell, Dead Heat) struggles to navigate
the crippled craft to the surface of a barren planet, one that is perpetually
swathed in blinding daylight courtesy of the orb's three suns. Only a handful of
survivors are left now, including space marshal William Johns (Cole Hauser, 2 Fast 2 Furious) and his hulking
prisoner-in-tow, Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel, The Fast and the Furious, xXx). When Riddick breaks free, the displaced
space travelers fear the wrath of the brutal killer yet quickly discover they
share this planet with legions of voracious winged creatures who roam the
surface of the planet during the extended eclipse that occurs once every 22
years. Can you guess when the next eclipse is due? While the unpredictable
Riddick can see in pitch dark (thanks to a "shine job" he finagled in
the slam), the other survivors can only see their impending doom.

The Evidence

Okay. This review isn't about the merits of Pitch Black as a film
because this release isn't about the film at all—it's all about promoting
the 2004 sequel. Surely you already know about this film and the fact that it's
quite derivative of so much that has gone before it. You may even be among the
Pitch Black apologists who argue that the genre has been picked clean of
fresh new ideas and, therefore, this film should be pardoned of its liberal
leveraging of other genre mainstays (the likes of Alien and Aliens, The Road Warrior, and even a touch
of disaster escape show, The Poseidon
Adventure), and that's fine. The film works reasonably well, does a decent
job of shrouding its CGI nasties in mystery and darkness, and serves as an
excellent vehicle for the imposing and reasonably capable Vin Diesel. As a
whole, the film makes for a fine DVD release…back in October 2000, that
is.

The original release, also available in rated and unrated versions, did a
fine job bringing this generally enjoyable scare fare to the medium, delivering
what many called a reference quality transfer (it was really nice) plus
an unnerving DTS audio track that convinced you those pterodactyl-like critters
were lurking just behind your easy chair. Universal threw in some great extra
features and the whole thing rounded out to be a nice package and an
irresistible purchase for genre-mongers. This new release, however, only
cheapens the franchise and seems to work hard to distract Riddick-ravers from
the apparent inferiority of the new installment in this hopeful franchise. If
you haven't already heard, the new film detours severely from all that made
Pitch Black work well, opting to oust the threat of blood-thirsty beasts
in deference for some sort of mythical framework that leaves the faithful
feeling cheated. If you really wanna feel cheated, buy this unnecessary
disc.

Granted, film lovers and DVD enthusiasts have willfully surrendered their
wallets in order to buy the most updated, the most complete, and the most
feature-laden discs of their favorite films, release after release after release
(Evil Dead, anyone?) but when the newest
release inexplicably backtracks and offers less than previous offerings,
well what's with that? On this particular disc, you'll find the same transfer as
that of the original release (it's still very nice, framed at 2.35:1 and
sporting excellent color and detail) but it's nothing new. It has the same Dolby
Digital 5.1 audio track but doesn't have the superior DTS track. What?!
Well, it surely has some freaky extras that makes it all worth the price, right?
Wrong. You'll find the same two audio commentaries as appeared on the previous
release but you won't find the original trailer.

So the big new extras here are a mere five-minute introduction from director
Twohy, a tepid "Chase Log" from Marshal Johns that recounts his
capture of Riddick, and promo-heavy sales jobs touting the Chronicles of
Riddick: Dark Fury animated feature and the Chronicles of Riddick: Escape
from Butcher Bay video game. Where are those vicious creatures now, the ones
who should surround and devour the hacks who attempted to pass this release off
as something new and exciting?

The Rebuttal Witnesses

There's nothing here to rebut because there is no excuse for a ploy like
this. If you don't already own this disc and would like to, shop carefully to be
sure you get the format and features you truly want (I recommend finding the
original release). If you already have the unrated release from 2000, you're
doing just fine as it stands. Otherwise, I can't think of any reason why you
should buy this disc, barring the fact that you could be a die-hard Riddick fan,
a completist that must own everything that bears the big Diesel's likeness. If
that suits you, more power to you.

Closing Statement

There is nothing further to add. This is the sort of mercenary merchandising
that boils my blood and gives me reason to doubt the longevity of any new film
franchise. End of discussion.

The Verdict

Guilty, guilty, guilty. All the charlatans responsible for this apparent
dupe-job are sentenced to a week on that three-sunned planet…a sentence to
rightly be delayed until 22 years from now. Enjoy your stay.